Controversial but popular BBC One soap opera EastEnders has prompted a discussion between many of our UK panellists in the wake of the ‘baby swap’ story, with some outraged at the storyline, others in support of the show, and several lamenting the extent of the media attention attracted by the programme.
EastEnders, one of the UK’s most watched soaps with ratings of over nine million per episode, is renowned for its provocative storylines and for providing viewers with more than the odd injection of misery, but its latest storyline, which sees Samantha Womack’s (pictured) troubled character Ronnie swap her baby with Kat Moon’s newborn after discovering her own was dead has proven particularly divisive. The BBC, which received 8,400 complaints following broadcast, has announced that the storyline will be resolved earlier than planned as a result of the outcry.
Some panellists thought the storyline, especially the ‘baby swap’ element, went much too far.
A few panellists supported the storyline and felt it was, on balance, fairly portrayed.
While others viewed the public and media reactions as excessive.
The BBC has since announced that Samantha Womack will be leaving the show, although it has downplayed suggestions that it is due to this now-infamous storyline.
